Taiwan Festivals

Taiwan people share the same Chinese traditional festivals with the people in Chinese mainland. Besides, due to the differences of regions and historical background, Taiwan has its own characteristic feast days like Restoration Day and Goddess Mazu's Birthday. And most Gaoshan people inhabit in Taiwan, so the festivals belonging to this minority group are also one part of the local highlights. If you want a Taiwan trip, you may go there at these galas for more chances to get in touch with Chinese culture.

Taiwan Restoration DayIt is celebrated on October 25th each year to commemorate the independence of Taiwan from Japanese colonial rule (The independent date is October 25th, 1945).

Goddess Mazu's BirthdayMazu is the most admirable goddess in Taiwan people's heart. Wherever you are, the Mazu Temple can be seen. The sacrifice activities relating to Mazu are so various, such as the celebration of Mazu's birthday, burning incense and the welcoming ceremony of Mazu's coming.

Divinities have their own birthdays. Mazu's birthday is March 23rd of the Lunar Calendar. All the sacrifice activities are staged around this day. Burning incense takes place ahead of her birthday in order to call back Mazu's spirit. Almost all villages have their own Mazu and each Mazu dominates its own village. On Mazu's birthday, the villagers take the hostess Mazu to get around in the village to pray for security. Sometimes, the villagers invite another Mazu to come to their village. This Mazu is a guest Mazu. The host and guest Mazus join the patrol together.

Dragon Boat FestivalIn China, Dragon Boat Festival, also called Duanwu, is celebrated in many cities, especially in South China. In Taiwan, the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), Mid-Autumn Festival, as well as Dragon Boat Festival are the three most ceremonious traditional events. The Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Day, needless to say, are shared by all Chinese people. At these two happy events, no matter where you are, as long as you are in China, you must feel a very harmonious and alive happy atmosphere. Well, as for the Dragon Boat Festival, Taiwan people would make the happy atmosphere reach the climax. In the week ahead, the ordinary citizens, state organs, organizations and enterprises start to prepare various activities. They make Zongzi (a kind of snack made of glutinous rice) and do exercise for joining the dragon boat race. On the Jilong River, dragon boat race is held for three days very busily. The mayor guides a group of boat racers to participate in the competition personally.

Harvest FestivalAs a minority group, the Gaoshan people in Taiwan have their own harvest festival. In October of each year, the Paiwan tribe of the Gaoshan nationality celebrates the very ceremonious harvest event. The passionate Paiwan people will invite many guests to join them and share their good-quality wine and tasty food with friends and guests.

- Last modified on Nov. 12, 2019 -

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Questions & Answers on Festivals in Taiwan

Asked by xue meng ren from NEW ZEALAND | Nov. 11, 2019 02:30Reply

Restoration Day or Retrocession Day

The website says:"Taiwan Restoration DayIt is celebrated on October 25th each year to commemorate the independence of Taiwan from Japanese colonial rule (The independent date is October 25th, 1945)."

But I also read it is called Retrocession Day.

Can you tell me the correct translation of this holiday: 臺灣光復節 / 台湾光复节

Answers (1)

Answered by Zoey from MALAYSIA | Nov. 12, 2019 20:01

00Reply

I think Retrocession Day might be better.

Asked by Hui Guen from THAILAND | Oct. 29, 2019 02:18Reply

Is it a good time to travel in Taiwan during New year festival?

Answers (1)

Answered by Henry from SINGAPORE | Oct. 30, 2019 19:12

00Reply

The best travel month to Taiwan is during October to November. I guess January is not bad.

Asked by hauzun from INDONESIA | Nov. 21, 2018 20:11Reply

When to come Taiwan during Jan-March 15?

Dear Admin,If I would like to come around Jan - March 15, what would be the proper time to come, especially if I want to take my 75yo mom. When is it not so cold and not typhoon season, and what attraction is best during that time? PS: need to exclude CNY since it will not be possible to go there at that time.

Answers (1)

Answered by Bella from CANADA | Nov. 22, 2018 21:37

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March would be a proper time to come because the weather in January and February is colder than in March. The temperature in March may range from 15 to 20C. You can wear a thin coat or jacket, and thin sweater. There is no typhoon weather in this month. National Palace Museum in Taipei, Ali Mountain, Jiufen, Taroko National Park in Hualian and Cingjing Farm are all good places to visit.

Asked by Katoy from PHILIPPINES | May. 15, 2017 05:06Reply

My family has booked a trip to Taiwan on July 27-31, 2017, Is it a good timing especially weather?

Answers (1)

Answered by Kitty from UK | May. 17, 2017 01:59

10Reply

Generally speaking, July could be a Typhoon season there, but that is not to say typhoon will occur every day during that time and typhoon cannot last for whole day. According to the history data, it will be rainy during that time. The temperature will be 75F to 90F.

Asked by Rach from SINGAPORE | Jan. 27, 2016 19:42Reply

Will i still be able to see the full spring bloom in Apr. in Taiwan? Around coming Apr. 8 - 17?

Thanks!

Answers (1)

Answered by Hinda from UNITED KINGDOM | Jan. 28, 2016 03:22

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Generally, you can still catch the great blooms by mid Apr. Go to Mt. Ali for a good vieiwng. Good luck though!